We recently bought our 2002 MCS and love it. Its a pleasure to drive. BMW has done a fantastic job with a little package. We've been fighting over who gets to drive it.

Yesterday we went to start it with no luck. It cranks over fine. I've checked the spark plugs for spark and fuel. Plenty of spark but very little fuel odor. Fuses look fine. I dont know how to check the fuel pump relay. I would rather replace that than the pump. Has anybody had fuel pump related problems? Any suggestions?

Great forum

WeMini

 

come on tech folks (not me), help these new people...

 

So, I figured out it is the fuel pump. The dealership in my area said he has replaced dozens of these due to freezing up. He blamed it on bad gas. But my problem with that is that I have only filled up twice and both times at a recommended service station.

My question then to the motoring public is if the factory pumps have design flaws is there an alternative everyone is going to?

 

A friend had this same problem. It really was a tank of bad gas. He had the pump replaced and after 6 or so months of back & forth the gas company wrote him a check to cover all the associated costs & "hardships".

 

Sorry bout your fuel pump. I've been there and I feel your pain. My wife's MINI had the same issue w/ low miles. Best of luck.

 

I guess I would still entertain an alternative pump. Seems most other cars have no trouble with the same gas. I think I'm going to be hard pressed to get my money from them on that fact alone. But its worth at least an email.

Has anyone changed to an aftermarket pump?

 

Thanks TwOMINIs, the link had great info. The ethonal formulation sure sounds like what our MCS had problems with. We also let the tank get below 1/4 tank. I still would hope they have designed an alternative pump to handle the ethonal.

thanks again

 

Has anyone replaced their fuel pump themselves?
Any how to guides?
Seems like a good time to replace the fuel filter to.

 

I replaced the pump with no problems. The pump and the filter both are under the back seat. The pump on the drivers side and the filter on the passenger side. The dealer/mechanics use a special tool to loosen the threaded ring that holds both in place but I found them loose enough to untighten by hand. A tight fit but they pull out with a little work and the fuel/electrical connections are easily taken loose. Use a cloth or something to catch any fuel that may leak out while changing them. Both can be replaced in about 20 minutes time.

Good luck,

WeMini

 

Here is a DIY for the fuel filter. I'd imagine the pump, which is in the same location except on the drivers side, wouldn't be much different.

 

Thanks. I read the DIY for the filter.
Plan A was using our extended warranty.
Plan B was me doing it myself if we couldn't find the warranty paperwork.
Well we found the paperwork so I put the car back together.
$100 deductible seems worth it. Especially since we paid $3000 for the warranty.

Thanks again.